Therapeutic lamp



Feb. 11, 1930. J. G. HOMAN THERAPEUTIC LAMP Filed April 28. 192B Patented Feb. 11, 1930 UNITED STATES JOHN G. ROMAN, OF STEUBENVILLE, OHIO THERAPEUTIC LAMP Application filed April 28,

This invention relates to therapeutic devices, and more especially .to devices in which a lamp or other source of therapeutic rays is employed.

Physical and medical authorities recognize that light has a beneficial effect upon human tissues, especially the blood. Exercise of the body tissue in the presence of a source of light is recognized as being highly beneficial. The exercise stimulates the flow of blood to or near the surface of the body where it is more efiectivel acted upon by the light rays.

It is 0 course desirable that the intensity of the light be such as to give the most beneficial results. The intensity of a light varies inversely as the square of the distance from the source. According to the present invention, there is rovided a device with which the source of t erapeutic rays may be held in fixed relation to the body in close proximity thereto, whereby a lam of low candle power may function just as e ectively as a lamp of much higher candle power located considerably further away from the body.

The invention further contemplates the provision of a therapeutic device so constructed that it will be self-sustaining and can be applied to the body and retained on the body without discomfort.

The invention further contemplates the provision of a therapeutic device as described which can be readily adapted to massage purposes where it is desired to secure a mechanical stimulation of body tissues in conjunction with the treatment thereof by means of light rays.

The invention may be readily understood by referenceto the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, and in which,

Figure 1 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly in section, showing a device embodying my invention, and

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1,

showing the skirt of the vacuum cup turned down to present a massaging surface.

In the drawings 2 designates a base or handle portion of a vacuum cup having sides 3 and a skirt 4. The entire cup is preferably made of soft rubber and is made relatively 1928. Serial 1%. 278,558.

light so that it can be self-sustaining on the surface to which it .is applied. Mounted in the base 2 is a socket 5 in which is a suitable generator of the desired therapeutic rays, either ultra-violet or infra-red. This generator of thera eutic rays is preferably an incandescent bul 6 of any known or preferred cogstruction.

nside of the on and spaced inwardly from the ed e of thes irt 4 is an annular series of rub er fingers or teats 7. The structure as shown in Figure 1 ma be pressed against the body of a patient. y reason of its soft rubber construction, it may be temporarily deformed to expel some of the air therefrom. When it, due to its resiliency, returns to its normal shape, a reduced pressure will exist that serves to hold the appliance on the body in the manner of any ordinary vacuum cup arrangement. Being of comparatively light 7 construction, it can be entirely self-sustaining. Due to the reduced pressure on the interior thereof, blood circulation in the body of the patient will be stimulated and the blood brought close to the surface of the skin. Under'these conditions the effect of the light 6 is most beneficial.

When it is desired to use the device for massage treatment, the skirt 4 can be turned outwardly to the position shown in Figure 2, whereupon the rubber fingers or teats 7 are presented in an operative position for mas sage pur oses. The arrangement then can be used t e same as any massage device, and at the same time the massage is being effected, the body is being subjected to the beneficial action of the therapeutic rays.

The surface of the cup 1s preferably provided with irregularities and ridges such as 8 and 9, by reason of which it can be conveniently handled and held in the hand.

While I have illustrated a specific embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction shown, but may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the followmg claims.

claim: 1. A therapeutic device of the class described comprising a vacuum cup having a no when the skirt is skirt portion which can be turned outwardly back over the on sa and a plurality of mas- 'ng surfaces on the inside of the cup apted to project beyond the end of the cup when the skirt is turned backwardly, and atherapeutic lamp mounted inside the cup.

2. A therapeutic appliance of the class described com rising a vacuum cup formed of rubber and aving a base portion, a cup portion and a skirt ortion, said skirt ortion being adapted to e turned backwar 1y over the cup portion, a plurality of massage fingers on the cup portion and adapted to be exposed when the skirt is turned backwardly, and a therapeutic lamp mounted in the base portion.

3. A therapeutic appliance of the class de scribed comprising a one piece cup formed of rubber and having a base portion, a cup portion, and a skirt portion, said skirt ortion being adapted to be turned backward y over the cup portion, a plurality of massage fingers on the cup portion and adapted to be exposed turned backwardly, and a therapeutic lamp mounted in the base portion, the said cup having ridges on the outside thereof whereby it may be conveniently handled.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN G. HOMAN. 

